Customer Reviews

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

5 star:		(185)
4 star:		(39)
3 star:		(19)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is extremely well done. John Williams sets the tone for each part of the movie by defining it with its own, independent theme. Harry's theme is the most "magical" sounding and stands apart from the rest of the soundtrack. It's a very soft and mellow tune that's both mysterious and innocent at the same time. The Quidditch scene has the loudest and most rambunctious music. Much like the sport itself, the music is fast-paced. Voldemort's theme is very soft and dark sounding, with very subtle changes. Though it's no "Imperial March", it's one of Williams' most successful villain themes. It's very obvious that Williams has borrowed certain elements from his past scores, but at the same time manages to change it and add enough new material for a completely original sound. At times, there is a choir in the background providing vocals that tends to sound more like the work of James Horner than John Williams. This is not to say, however, tht Williams is unsuccessful. The mix of instrument and voice is superb. Overall, I would say this is one of John Williams' most successful scores, especially in recent years. It's my favorite since Jurassic Park and well worth the price.

I believe that the power of a truly great composer is that which enables him or her to come up with a simple tune - a hook - that complements itself effectively with every other suite or piece of music that runs through the soundtrack of a work of art. John Williams powerfully proves that he has that skill. So, whether or not you feel Chris Columbus did a good job directing "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", you cannot surpass his wise choice of having Mr. Williams piece together this truly spellbinding score.

Yes, now and again he indulges in self-plagiarism, but all that is conveniently covered up with the playful running theme that materialises most compellingly in "Hedwig's Theme", and pops in as daintily as it sounds in the rest of the music against appropriately spine-tingling and triumphantly composite compositions. The entire soundtrack - as track-listed here - builds up in a wicked crescendo that easily sweeps one of his feet and transports him back to the magic of Harry's world. From the dark and ominous "Harry's Wondrous World", sprinkled cleverly with a tinge of hope, to the orchestral climax in "The Face of Voldermort", which erupts in musical irony when it sets "Hedwig's Theme" against cold, bombarding strings, John Williams creates his very own original (well, almost) rendition of J. K. Rowling's meticulously imaginative dimension - all embodied in every single likeable piece.

A feature which proves comforting for the listener - especially younger children who could go crazy over everything "Harry" - is that almost every piece is a suitably short, three to four-minute long opus. But even the longer pieces, such as the exhilarating "The Quidditch Match" that spans some eight minutes long, fleet by as enjoyably as the movie does in its unbelievably "short" 2½ hours. This piece, in particular, is one of my favourites, as it regenerates the majestic memory of the Arthurian-styled Quidditch setting, and the pure intensity of the game.

The soundtrack springs up a few surprises here and there. For example, in "Christmas at Hogwarts", you can actually hear caroling ghosts! And "Diagon Alley and The Gringotts Vault" is considerably varied from what is heard in that sequence of the movie, though it retains its good cheer. But it is sad that some of the music from the movie has been left out in this soundtrack (it appears to be a trend many composers and producers are following nowadays). For example, the original music for the Diagon Alley sequence had more "oomph" to it, and gave it a sense of jolly enthusiasm remarkably symbolic of how Harry must have felt visiting that venue for the first time. The light-hearted flutes that you hear instead on the soundtrack cannot beat the former, which initially created the right atmosphere so well. And also - I'm not sure if anyone noticed this - during the part of the movie before Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco went off into the woods with Hagrid for detention, there was a Celtic-sounding tune being played with a very ghostly feel in the background while they were all huddled around the fire, and Filch asked Hagrid to "keep his wits about". I was looking out for that tune, hopefully in a piece that accompanied The Forbidden Forest sequence, but even such a piece wasn't included at all.

There's quite a bit to miss out on listening to this soundtrack, and it's a pity that not all of John Williams' work could be included here, especially being the first movie on the teenage wizard and all. But still, Mr. Williams rightfully boasts that he can recreate and bring life once more to the little bit of magic that remains in this world. Very hopefully, he will continue with the rest of the movies in the "Harry Potter" series, and remain masterful in evoking the power of magic, music and the emotion they bring about in the life of the world's most beloved teen wizard.

John Williams score for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone almost immediately draws listeners into a world where magic not only exists, but flourishes. Many of the tracks feature music in the same vein as music Williams composed for Hook, especially the Prologue and Hedwig's theme. The music for the Quidditch match features the brass instruments, and conveys the soaring competition of this popular wizarding sport. "The Face of Voldemort" contains music entirely appropriate for a young boy confronting his greatest fear. All in all, Williams has composed a score that is almost as magical as J. K. Rowling's book. I can't wait for the movie!

John Williams' Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Soundtrack is similar in many ways to his other more famous soundtracks. It has some of the beautiful strains that are familiar from ET and Star Wars; however, the lovely themes here are instantly recognizable and are sure to put a smile on your face.

"Hogwarts Forever" and "Hedwig's Theme" are lovely and melodic, while "The Face of Voldemort" is violent and scary. This is a must-have CD for all Harry Potter Fans.

I couldn't wait for this CD to come out, and was thrilled that it was released before the upcoming movie. Like many Harry Potter fans, I would become instantly transfixed whenever the trailer for the film would come on TV. There just was something so magical about the music that instantly hooked me! And I was surprised to find that the composer was none other than John Williams, famed for his compositions of "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones." But it makes a great deal of sense. Williams' musical themes tend to become traditions, as the listener joyously commits his music to memory. This CD is no different! It tugs at your mind and has you humming away before you know it! There are also some scary moods, which reminds you that not everything is Harry's world is merry and bright. But before long, Williams returns you to his sweeping themes, making you feel as if you're flying on Hedwig's wings or on a Nimbus 2000! This is a great CD to add to your library and will simply fuel the fires of you imagination in anticipation for the film!

FIve Words: JOHN WILLIAMS IS A GENIOUS!!!!!!
I have never read the book nor seen the movie, however, there is no doubting the shear beauty of William's score.
Here's a basic play-by-play:

1. Prologue: This is what makes the magic real; seriously this tune should be sacred or something. There is just no comparison or words to describe it.

2. Harry's Wonderous World: Though I know all but nothing about this story, you can tell Harry is a good character (or at least tries to do good). This theme is righteous and innocent; perfect for the hero.

3. The arrival of Baby Harry: Here we reprise the celesta solo from the prologue and add some breathtaking vocals that sweep this piece away masterfully.

4. Visit to the Zoo/Letter from Hogwarts: The beginning is very fun and light, but about half way through we hear the basic theme build and I can just guess that Harry has just read his letter.

5. Diagon Alley/The Gringots: A month ago I was given the shear pleasure to be able to play a suite from this movie with our local orchestra, this piece was included and believe me, you think you know everything about this music until you play it. It's just incredible, the Diagon Alley theme was delightful, but during the Gringots sequence(?) we get to hear the darker theme of Voldemort, the villain make an appearence.

6. Platform Nine and Three-Quarters/The Journey to Hogwarts: Lots of fun Pitzing here with some great woodwinds and triangle. The beginning of this song is so fun, I love it! However, the journey to Hogwarts capture the whole mystical feel in epic scope.

7. Entry into the Great Hall/THe Banquet: Very cheery and nice. Very pretty themes captures the mood wonderfully.

8. Mr. Longbottom Flies!: I do know that this is the flying lesson sequence. PErfecetly captured with that excellent theme we get to here in the beginning few songs, definitely a favorite!

9. Hogwarts Forever!/ THe Moving Staircase: Just so you know, the choral or "HOgwarts Forever!" is for four french horns and is incredibly difficult, yet still beautiful. You can absolutely tell this is an old school and the choral has a beautiful, reminicent feel to it. But I don't know if I much like the idea of moving staircases.

10. THe Norwegian Ridgeback/A Change of Season: WE get some fun melodies at first, but my favorite part is the last bit with that gorgeous gorgeous melody featured in one of the last songs.

11. The Quidditch Match: WHat can I say more than classic John Willaims Pomp, though believe me, playing it is no simple task! I love the feel of this, very traditional, yet it still feels like a gorgeous day at the games. I love the full orchestra version of the prologue theme!

12. Harry at Christmas: I think that is the title of this song, I could be wrong. THis piece starts out very light and fun, but then we here something about ringing the hogwarts bell and casting a Christmas spell???? It's just weird, not my favorite.

13. The invisibility cloak/The Library Scene: This definitely has the feel of what the title suggests. Very somber and quiet; you actually feel as though something will jump out at you any second now!

14. Fluffy's Har: FLuffy! My friend, who told me most of what I know about the story, absolutely adors Fluffy and I think this matches perfectly with the character. The combination of Harp and either Bassoon or bass clarinet is ingenious. IN fact, this is one of my favorite pieces.

15. In The Devil's Snare/The Flying Keys: I have to say, I have absolutely no idea what's going on here, though Mr. Williams throws us some great things here!

16.The Chess Game: Maybe its just me, but I think I'm hearing a bit of Star Wars here. Very march like, yet quite appealing.

17. THe Face of Voldemort: Oh, this piece makes me shudder! The villain, no matter what he looks or sounds like must be very evil with this music playing behind him. Chillingly wonderful, Ten Stars.

18. LEaving Hogwarts: I LOOOOOOOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The melody is heartwrenching and gorgeous all at once, I aways get choked up at the end. THE BEST PIECE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

19. Hedwig's Theme: SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!! THis piece is shear genious! WE start off with the prologue from the beginning and launch into an amazing mix wonderful themes and music it takes your breath away!

I love John Williams' music and this is most certainly a MUST HAVE for any fan at any level. In fact, I have written a quote:

"Man can not live by bread alone, but by the word of GOd and the Music of John WIllaims"

There is no questions and no comparisons, get this today!

This is another masterpiece from John Williams. All the audio tracks are simply magical and breathtaking. Listening to the album the first time reminded me of another of my all-time-favorite soundtracks, "Hook", which is also composed by John Williams. Both of them are about fantasy, and both of them are irresistable to me. I play back this "Harry Potter" soundtrack at least 5 times a day since the middle of November 2001!!

There is also a complementary CD-ROM that comes together with the audio CD! Inside the CD-ROM, you can find many international trailers (German, French, Korea, Thailand, etc), posters, game demo, and much more!!

That's not the end yet! Besides both the audio CD and CD-ROM discs, you also get a cool Harry Potter poster (featuring Daniel Radcliffe and the white owl)! (...) this is one of the best Christmas presents for Harry Potter fans!!

Yes, I admit it: I'm such a Harry Potter fan that I bought and listened to the soundtrack to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" before the film was even released. I knew that Harry's musical "voice" was in good hands: the score is composed and conducted by John Williams, a Hollywood legend with credits too long to list in a short review. Fear not, "Harry" fellow fans: Williams delivers a rousing score that successfully evokes the magic and excitement of J.K. Rowling's beloved novel (on which the film is based). This is a full, rich orchestral score that effectively uses choral voices on certain tracks.

The disc starts off on a compelling note with the "Prologue," a fanciful, delicate theme with hints of magic and mystery. The prologue leads into "Harry's Wondrous World," a big, sweeping theme that is rich in emotional texture, yet has fun, playful accents.

I liked the charming, sort of Celtic flavor of the opening of "Diagon Alley...." "Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters..." makes good use of the chorus for a mystical effect. "The Quidditch Match" is, as might be expected, a spectacular action piece that you might find slightly reminiscent of the action music in Williams' score for "The Empire Strikes Back."

Another rousing selection is "The Chess Game," whose energetic percussion reminded me somewhat of the action scenes in Jerry Goldmith's score for the original "Planet of the Apes"; Williams effectively whips his instrumental elements into a controlled frenzy. The score turns rather ominous and scary with "The Face of Voldemort," a section that evokes Harry's dreaded, powerful enemy. The CD ends strong with "Hedwig's Theme": this is basically a reprise of the prologue music which builds up to an energetic finale. Overall, Williams' "Potter" score is a varied and enjoyable musical tapestry. Not only does the score hold up to the high standards of Williams previous work, but it also taps into the classic tradition of big, ambitious Hollywood orchestral scores.

I have been a fan of John Williams' music since the first Star Wars film. For that movie, Williams composed a theme for each character in the same way that Prokofiev did with his musical story, Peter and the Wolf.

This has been done again for the Harry Potter film, with a theme for Harry, a theme for his owl, Hedwig, a Hogwarts school song, a Nimbus 2000 theme, a theme for the Quidditch match and a very dodgy corny theme for Voldemort, which goes Vol - de -mort, Vol- de- mort: not Williams' most inspiring creations.

Williams has created unusual harmonies and melodies to reflect the mystical subject matter very effectively. For instance, there is something [intentionally] weird about the Hogwarts School Song, and the Christmas Music is a little like the music you hear during the festive season, but also slightly odd. These quirks are what makes the music in the film special. I don't think you will find many people whistling the tunes, though!

The bonus CD has trailers in English, French, German, Italian, Korean and Thai. It is great fun to watch the same trailer in all the different languages.

You will find the audio CD a bit repetitive, because the Hedwig theme is repeated over and over, without much variation. But the music is enjoyable, nonetheless.

John Williams has done it again. The music to "Harry Potter" is as captivating as the film. This disc is wonderful because it is a true "soundtrack" -- if you listen to this disc before seeing the movie, you will find even more richness in the viewing. And, I love the way the main theme is carried through various pieces. Williams' "Christmas" piece should become an instant classic! Best of all, my children love it as much as I do so we can listen to it in the car! This is a beautiful score performed brilliantly. I cannot recommend it highly enough.